at odds

A

at odds (prepositional phrase)
æt ɑːdz

Variants

• at odds with
• at odds over
• odds are against
• have an odd with someone

Meanings

• In conflict or disagreement with someone or something.
• Having a different opinion or being in opposition to another person’s view.
• Inconsistent or not matching with something else.
• Facing a situation where something is unlikely to happen.

Synonyms: in disagreement; in conflict; in opposition; at loggerheads; quarreling; contrary to; incompatible; clashing; out of keeping with; at variance.

Example Sentences

1. The two politicians are often at odds over economic policy, leading to heated debates.
2. My theory on the new product’s success is at odds with the company’s official forecast.
3. The witness’s testimony was at odds with the evidence found at the crime scene.
4. She was determined to succeed, even though the odds were against her from the start.
5. He’s always at odds with his brother about who should do the household chores.

Origin and History

The Fundamental Idea of Inequality

The phrase “at odds” is believed to have originated in England and is deeply connected to the concept of things not being equal or even. The word “odd” itself has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, where it was used to describe something that was a unit in excess of an even number. This simple mathematical idea of difference became the foundation for the phrase. When two things were “at odds,” they were not matching or balanced; they were different. This fundamental meaning of inequality evolved over time to describe disagreements between people or conflicting ideas.

The Influence of Wagering

Another popular theory traces the phrase to the world of gambling and betting. In this context, “odds” refers to the chances or probability of an event happening. When someone is “at odds,” it can be seen as a metaphorical wager where the chances of agreement or harmony are low. The idea of setting odds on two opposing sides in a competition or dispute naturally led to the use of the phrase to describe people in disagreement. The term became a common way to express a lack of balance or a state of conflict, much like the unequal chances in a bet.

Earliest Records

The earliest known use of the term in a sense of disagreement or conflict appeared in the late 1500s. The word “odds” itself was used by famous playwrights around this time to refer to a condition of inequality or difference. The phrase “at odds” followed, becoming a part of the everyday language to describe people or things in opposition. This is considered the earliest written record of the phrase, highlighting its emergence during a period of great linguistic development in England.

Other Possible Theories

The phrase may also have a more imaginative origin. For instance, it’s possible the expression is related to the idea of a physical contest where two people stand ready to fight. Their stances might be described as “at odds,” meaning they are positioned to oppose each other. Another theory suggests a connection to farming, where an “odd” or extra piece of land might not fit with the main plot, causing a dispute among landowners. These creative possibilities, while not historically confirmed, show how the phrase could have developed from various aspects of life where a lack of balance or an unexpected difference caused conflict.

Against, Important

Last update: November 2, 2025 9:20 PM